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Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Carson Kvapil to make NASCAR Xfinity Series debut in JR Motorsports No. 88 at Martinsville

Originally posted on 5 GOATs | By Jonathan Howard | Last updated 2/22/24

Unlike many young drivers out there, Carson Kvapil has been patient and bided his time, but now he’s ready to make his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut. Kvapil, a Late Model Stock driver in the JR Motorsports organization is getting his big break.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been helping mold Carson and his younger brother Caden in the CARS Tour. They are the sons of former Truck Series champion and NASCAR driver Travis Kvapil.

In his short career, 20-year-old Carson has won a Super Late Model championship as well as two Late Model Stock championships in the CARS Tour. He is one of the best young prospects in stock car racing today.

Carson Kvapil has one ARCA Menards Series start. He was P2 at Kansas last year. Then he made his Truck Series debut at Bristol in 2023 with Spire and finished P12. This kid is impressive and should be ready to go in the No. 88 Chevy at Martinsville.

Dale Jr. thinks that Carson will find great success in NASCAR.

Excited about this opportunity for Carson. I think he has that talent to win at this level. https://t.co/gQBZwSLriW
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) February 22, 2024

While Carson Kvapil is the son of a former NASCAR driver, he is an old-school kind of racer. Yes, he is still young, but he’s earned his stripes. He has won major races, championships, and everything drivers used to do before getting to the big leagues.

Dale Jr. has been really careful with his development. He could have thrown him into the 88 car two years ago. With all the experience he has, Carson should be a driver fans keep an eye on, not just at Martinsville, but wherever he races.

Carson Kvapil gets his big break

While you never know how a driver will perform in a new car and a new series, I think this is only going to go well for Carson Kvapil. Again, he can’t even drink beer yet, but everything that he’s done and accomplished in his career screams “success!”

JR Motorsports has set up a factory for Cup Series talent. They just produced Noah Gragson and Josh Berry in the last couple of years. Both drivers had a shot at winning a championship and came up short.

You now have drivers like Sammy Smith and Sam Mayer who both look like future Cup Series talents. Not to mention a veteran like Justin Allgaier to keep everyone grounded. Brandon Jones is talented as well and shouldn’t be ignored in this equation.

With how carefully Dale Jr. has been developing Carson Kvapil, I feel good about this one. Right now, he is going to just make a single start. Don’t be shocked when he signs up for more races, and eventually, a full-time ride at JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series.

This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.

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